Influence of boron doping level and calcination temperature on hydrogen evolution reaction in acid medium of metal-free graphene aerogels

In this work, metal-free boron-doped graphene-based aerogels were successfully synthesized via a one-step autoclave assembly followed by freeze-drying and used as electrocatalysts for the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) in acidic media. The synthesized reduced graphene oxide aerogels (rGOA) showed improved electrocatalytic activity by introducing boron and structural defects. The amount of boric acid used both as a dopant and reducing agent in the synthesis was optimized (boric acid/GO mass ratio = 17.5) to practically reach the crystallization limit of boric acid (boric acid/GO mass ratio = 20). It was observed that the higher the amount of boric acid added, the more boron was incorporated into the carbonaceous structure, improving the electrocatalytic activity of the final aerogel. Furthermore, calcination of the boron-doped electrocatalyst at 600 °C resulted in final aerogels with low oxygen content, moderate surface area, bimodal pore size distribution, and a high electrochemical active surface area. The final 3D graphene aerogel developed in this work, showed such outstanding electrocatalytic activity in HER as to replace noble metal-based electrocatalysts in the future.

Long-term cardiac assessment in a sample of adolescent-onset anorexia nervosa

BACKGROUND

High mortality rates have been reported in patients with anorexia nervosa, mainly due to cardiovascular alterations. The purpose of the present study was to assess cardiac structural and functional abnormalities some 20 years after initial treatment in a sample of adolescent-onset anorexia nervosa (A-AN) and to compare them with matched healthy controls (HC).

METHODS

A sample of 29 women diagnosed and treated for AN during adolescence (A-AN) were assessed more than 20 years later. A complete cardiac evaluation was carried out including an electrocardiogram (ECG) and a standard 2D echocardiography. Thirty matched HC were also assessed.

RESULTS

In the A-AN group, four subjects had a body mass index lower than 18.5 and met full DSM 5 criteria for AN at follow-up (Low-Weight group). They were compared with the rest of the sample (n = 25) who had normalized their weight (Normal-Weight group), though some still showed some eating disorder symptoms. Both groups were compared with the HC group. Subjects in the Low-Weight group presented statistically significant decreases in the left ventricular end-diastolic and left atrium dimensions and left ventricular mass in comparison with the Normal-Weight group and the HC. No other differences in cardiac parameters were found between groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Echocardiographic and ECG parameters of adults who had presented A-AN twenty years earlier and currently maintained normal weight were similar to those of HC who had never been treated or diagnosed with AN. Adult subjects with A-AN who still had low weight in the long term present certain cardiac abnormalities similar to those seen in short-lasting disease. More studies are needed to confirm these results in a larger sample.

Atezolizumab in locally advanced or metastatic urothelial cancer: a pooled analysis from the Spanish patients of the IMvigor 210 cohort 2 and 211 studies

Background

The studies IMvigor 210 cohort 2 and IMvigor211 evaluated the efficacy of atezolizumab in patients with locally advanced or metastatic urothelial cancer (mUC) upon progression to platinum-based chemotherapy worldwide. Yet, the real impact of this drug in specific geographical regions is unknown.

Materials and methods

We combined individual-level data from the 131 patients recruited in Spain from IMvigor210 cohort 2 and IMvigor211 in a pooled analysis. Efficacy and safety outcomes were assessed in the overall study population and according to PD-L1 expression on tumour-infiltrating immune cells.

Results

Full data were available for 127 patients; 74 (58%) received atezolizumab and 53 (42%) chemotherapy. Atezolizumab patients had a numerically superior median overall survival although not reaching statistical significance (9.2 months vs 7.7 months). No statistically significant differences between arms were observed in overall response rates (20.3% vs 37.0%) or progression-free survival (2.1 months vs 5.3 months). Nonetheless, median duration of response was superior for the immunotherapy arm (non-reached vs 6.4 months; p = 0.005). Additionally, among the responders, the 12-month survival rates seemed to favour atezolizumab (66.7% vs 19.9%). When efficacy was analyzed based on PD-L1 expression status, no significant differences were found. Treatment-related adverse events of any grade occurred more frequently in the chemotherapy arm [46/57 (81%) vs 44/74 (59%)].

Conclusion

Patients who achieved an objective response on atezolizumab presented a longer median duration of response and numerically superior 12 month survival rates when compared with chemotherapy responders along with a more favorable safety profile. PD-L1 expression did not discriminate patients who might benefit from atezolizumab.

Factors associated with sepsis development in 606 Spanish adult patients with cellulitis

Background

Cellulitis, a frequent cause of admission of adult patients to medical wards, occasionally evolves to sepsis. In this study we analyze the factors related to sepsis development.

Methods

Prospective and observational study of 606 adult patients with cellulitis admitted to several Spanish hospitals. Comorbidities, microbiological, clinical, lab, diagnostic, and treatment data were analyzed. Sepsis was diagnosed according to the criteria of the 2016 International Sepsis Definitions Conference. Multiple logistic regression modelling was performed to determine the variables independently associated with sepsis development.

Results

Mean age was 63.4 years and 51.8% were men. Overall 65 (10.7%) patients developed sepsis, 7 (10.8%) of whom died, but only 4 (6.2%) due to cellulitis. Drawing of blood (P < 0.0001) or any (P < 0.0001) culture, and identification of the agent (P = 0.005) were more likely among patients with sepsis. These patients had also a longer duration of symptoms (P = 0.04), higher temperature (P = 0.03), more extensive cellulitis (P = 0.02), higher leukocyte (P < 0.0001) and neutrophil (P < 0.0001) counts, serum creatinine (P = 0.001), and CRP (P = 0.008) than patients without sepsis. Regarding therapy, patients with sepsis were more likely to undergo changes in the initial antimicrobial regimen (P < 0.0001), received more antimicrobials (P < 0.0001), received longer intravenous treatment (P = 0.03), and underwent surgery more commonly (P = 0.01) than patients without sepsis. Leukocyte counts (P = 0.002), serum creatinine (P = 0.003), drawing of blood cultures (P = 0.004), change of the initial antimicrobial regimen (P = 0.007) and length of cellulitis (P = 0.009) were independently associated with sepsis development in the multivariate analysis.

Conclusions

Increased blood leukocytes and serum creatinine, blood culture drawn, modification of the initial antimicrobial regimen, and maximum length of cellulitis were associated with sepsis in these patients.

What Reasons Lead Spanish Medical Students Not to Be in Favor of Organ Donation?

INTRODUCTION

Despite sensitization of medical students toward the donation of organs, a non-negligible percentage of students are not in favor of donation.

OBJECTIVE

To analyze the reasons of Spanish medical students who do not have a favorable attitude toward the donation of their own organs after death.

METHOD

The population under study is medical students in Spanish universities, using the database of the International Donor Collaborative Project, stratified by geographic area and academic year. The questionnaire completion was anonymous and self-administered. The study group is medical students with an unfavorable attitude toward organ donation. The assessment instrument used is a validated questionnaire of attitude toward the donation of organs for transplant, "PCID-DTO-Ríos." The reasons against the donation are valued in the questionnaire through a question.

RESULTS

Of the participants included in the PCID, students who are not in favor of organ donation were selected (n = 1899). Of them, 8.1% (n = 154) are against and 91.1% (n = 1745) are doubtful. The main reasons indicated are the fear of apparent death in 11.4% of respondents, fear of possible mutilation after donation in 11.1%, and religious reasons in 2.6%. Of those, 6.9% indicate other reasons but do not clearly specify the reasons, using words such as "fear" (2.5%) or "doubts about the process" (4.1%); 66.2% (n = 1257) indicated an "assertive refusal" ("I don't want to express my reasons").

CONCLUSION

Twenty percent of Spanish medical students are not in favor of donating their organs and are not in favor of showing their reasons.

Are Medical Students of Non-Spanish Nationality Studying in Spain as Sensitized to Transplantation as Those of Spanish Nationality?

INTRODUCTION

Awareness of organ donation among Spanish doctors and medical students is very positive. However, the emerging group of professionals of non-Spanish nationality studying in Spain has not been analyzed.

OBJECTIVE

To analyze the differences in the attitudes toward the different types of donation among medical students, according to their nationality.

METHODS

The population under study is medical students in Spanish universities using the database of the International Collaborative Donor Project, stratified by geographic area and academic year. Groups under study include students of non-Spanish nationality as group 1 (n = 1570) and students of Spanish nationality as Group 2 (n = 7705). Instruments are validated questionnaires of attitude toward donation "PCID-DTO-Ríos," "PCID-DVR-Ríos," "PCID-DVH-Ríos," and "PCID-XenoTx-Ríos."

RESULTS

The attitude toward the donation of own organs after death is similar in both groups (P = .703). Non-Spaniards are 79.2% in favor compared to 79.6% of Spaniards. Living kidney donation, both unrelated (33.3% vs 29.3% in favor; P = .001) and related (91.2% vs 89, 6% in favor; P = .047), is more favorable among non-Spanish students. There are no differences regarding non-related living liver donation (29.7% vs 29.3% in favor; P = .063), but there are differences in the results for related living liver donation (94.1% vs 88%; P < .001). The attitude toward xenotransplantation of organs is similar (80.8% vs 80.8%; P = .999).

CONCLUSIONS

Awareness of the donation of organs among Spanish medical students is similar to non-Spanish students studying in Spain, except the attitude toward living donation.

Information About Donation and Organ Transplantation Among Spanish Medical Students

INTRODUCTION

Health professionals are asked to promote health, especially organ transplantation; however, they do not always have specific training.

OBJECTIVE

To analyze information about donation and organ transplantation among Spanish medical students.

METHOD

The population under study is medical students in Spanish universities using the database of the International Donor Collaborative Project, stratified by geographic area and academic year (n = 9275). The instrument used is the attitude questionnaire for organ donation for "PCID-DTO-Ríos" transplantation, validated with an explained variance of 63.203% and α = 0.834. The Student t test was applied together with the χ² test, complemented by an analysis of the remainders, and Fisher's exact test was applied.

RESULTS

Of the students, 74% indicate that they have received information from university professors about organ transplant. Concerning specific issues with the donation, it is notable that only 66.7% (n = 6190) know and accept the concept of brain death as the death of a person. However, only 22% consider themselves as having good information, and 35.3% indicate that their information is scarce or void. Students indicate having received information about transplant from other extra-university sources, such as television and Internet (80.9%), books and magazines (73.2%), and the press (66.9%). From the information obtained in the sociofamilial field, 60.7% have obtained information from the family and 58.1% from friends. Of this information, 9% has been negative from friends, 7.5% from family, 6% from the Internet and television, and 4% from university professors.

CONCLUSION

Spanish medical students believe they have little information about organ transplantation and have received negative information.

Ecological and functional capabilities of an uncultured Kordia sp

Cultivable bacteria represent only a fraction of the diversity in microbial communities. However, the official procedures for classification and characterization of a novel prokaryotic species still rely on isolates. Nevertheless, due to single cell genomics, it is possible to retrieve genomes from environmental samples by sequencing them individually, and to assign specific genes to a specific taxon, regardless of their ability to grow in culture. In this study, a complete description was performed for uncultured Kordia sp. TARA_039_SRF, a proposed novel species within the genus Kordia, using culture-independent techniques. The type material was a high-quality draft genome (94.97% complete, 4.65% gene redundancy) co-assembled using ten nearly identical single amplified genomes (SAGs) from surface seawater in the North Indian Ocean during the Tara Oceans Expedition. The assembly process was optimized to obtain the best possible assembly metrics and a less fragmented genome. The closest relative of the species was Kordia periserrulae, which shared 97.56% similarity of the 16S rRNA gene, 75% orthologs and 89.13% average nucleotide identity. The functional potential of the proposed novel species included proteorhodopsin, the ability to incorporate nitrate, cytochrome oxidases with high affinity for oxygen, and CAZymes that were unique features within the genus. Its abundance at different depths and size fractions was also evaluated together with its functional annotation, revealing that its putative ecological niche could be particles of phytoplanktonic origin. It could putatively attach to these particles and consume them while sinking to the deeper and oxygen depleted layers of the North Indian Ocean.

Mexican biomasses valorization through pyrolysis process: Environmental and costs analysis

Biomasses valorization by pyrolysis is a good option for reducing environmental problems. In this study, the environmental performance of three Mexican biomass valorizations (castor husk, coffee pulp and Pinus sawdust) by the pyrolysis was compared. The environmental impacts of all equipment involved in pyrolysis were evaluated. In addition, the financial viability of pyrolysis technology of coffee pulp was studied. The biomass with the lowest impact for all the selected categories was the Pinus sawdust, followed by castor husk and coffee pulp. The GWP category had values greater than 700 kg CO₂eq for all the biomass studied. GWP category is caused by the emissions, mainly due to the high amounts of CH₄ and CO₂ released for all the studied biomasses. Furthermore, the equipment with the greatest impact are the separator, the pyrolyzer and the cyclone. Finally, it was observed that even the least favorable biomass with the environment is viable from a financial point of view.

Unrestricted generation of pure two-qubit states and entanglement diagnosis by single-qubit tomography

We present an experimental proof-of-principle for the generation and detection of pure two-qubit states that have been encoded in degrees of freedom that are common to both classical-light beams and single photons. Our protocol requires performing polarization tomography on a single qubit from a qubit pair. The degree of entanglement in the qubit pair is measured by concurrence, which can be directly extracted from intensity measurements-or photon counting-entering single-qubit polarization tomography.

A Multicentre and stratified study of the attitude of medical students towards organ donation in Spain

INTRODUCTION

Medical students represent a new generation of medical thought, and if they have a favourable attitude towards organ donation this will greatly encourage its promotion.

OBJECTIVE

To analyse the attitude of medical students in Spanish universities towards the donation of their own organs and to determine the factors affecting this attitude.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Type of study: A sociological, interdisciplinary, multicentre, and observational study in Spain.

STUDY POPULATION

Students studying a degree in medicine enrolled in Spain (n = 34,000).

SAMPLE SIZE

A sample of 9598 students (confidence of 99% and precision of ±1%), stratified by geographical area and academic year. Instrument of measurement: A validated questionnaire of attitude towards organ donation and transplantation (PCID-DTO RIOS) was self-administered and completed anonymously.

RESULTS

The questionnaire completion rate was 95.7% (n = 9.275). 80% were in favour of donation, 2% against and 18% were undecided. The following main variables were related to a favourable attitude: being of the female sex (Odds Ratio = 1.739); being in the sixth year of the degree (OR = 2.506); knowing a donor (OR = 1.346); having spoken about the subject with one's family (OR = 2.132) and friends (OR = 1.333); having a family circle that is in favour, more specifically, having a father (OR = 1.841), mother (OR = 2.538) or partner in favour (OR = 2.192); being a blood donor (OR = 2.824); acceptance of the mutilation of the body if it were necessary (OR = 2.958); and being an atheist or an agnostic (OR = 1.766).

CONCLUSIONS

Spanish medical students generally have a favourable attitude towards organ donation, although 20% are not in favour.

The dynamic geophysical environment of (101955) Bennu based on OSIRIS-REx measurements

The top-shape morphology of asteroid (101955) Bennu is commonly found among fast-spinning asteroids and binary asteroid primaries, and might have contributed significantly to binary asteroid formation. Yet a detailed geophysical analysis of this morphology for a fast-spinning asteroid has not been possible prior to the Origins, Spectral Interpretation, Resource Identification, and Security-Regolith Explorer (OSIRIS-REx) mission. Combining the measured Bennu mass and shape obtained during the Preliminary Survey phase of OSIRIS-REx, we find a significant transition in Bennu's surface slopes within its rotational Roche lobe, defined as the region where material is energetically trapped to the surface. As the intersection of the rotational Roche lobe with Bennu's surface has been most recently migrating towards its equator (given Bennu's increasing spin rate), we infer that Bennu's surface slopes have been changing across its surface within the last million years. We also find evidence for substantial density heterogeneity within this body, suggesting that its interior has a distribution of voids and boulders. The presence of such heterogeneity and Bennu's top-shape is consistent with spin-induced failure at some point in its past, although the manner of its failure cannot be determined yet. Future measurements by the OSIRIS-REx spacecraft will give additional insights and may resolve questions regarding the formation and evolution of Bennu's top-shape morphology and its link to the formation of binary asteroids.

Sensitization Toward Organ Donation Among Medical Students in Spanish Regions With More Than 50 Donors Per Million Population

The awareness of organ donation among health professionals is important at the time of transplant promotion. In this sense, the training and awareness of the professionals in training is fundamental.

OBJECTIVE

To analyze the differences in the attitude toward organ donation and the factors that condition it among medical students of regions with donation rates >50 donors per million population (pmp) with respect to those with rates <40 donor pmp.

METHOD

Population under study: medical students in Spanish universities. Database of the Collaborative International Donor Project, stratified by geographic area and academic course. The completion was anonymous and self-administered. Groups under study: Group 1 (n = 1136): students in universities of regions with >50 donors pmp. Group 2 (n = 2018): university students in regions with <40 donors pmp. Assessment instrument: attitude questionnaire for organ donation for transplant PCID-DTO-Ríos.

RESULTS

The attitude toward organ donation for transplantation is similar among students from the autonomous communities with >50 donors pmp and with <40 donors pmp. In group 1, 79% (n = 897) of students are in favor compared with 81% (n = 1625) of group 2 (P=.29). The psychosocial profile toward donation is similar in both groups relating to the following variables (P < .05): sex, having discussed transplantation with family and as a couple, considering the possibility of needing a transplant, involvement in prosocial activities, attitude toward the manipulation of corpses, knowledge of the brain death concept, and religion.

CONCLUSIONS

The awareness of organ donation in Spanish medical students is quite homogeneous and is not related to the local donation rates of each region.

Experimental display of the extended polarization coherence theorem

We report experimental results that show the interplay between visibility, distinguishability, and the degree of polarization, as ruled by a recent extension of the polarization coherence theorem (PCT). Theorems of this kind address duality in both quantum and classical scenarios. We particularly focus on the inherent vector nature of the polarization degree of freedom and display various effects that lie beyond the scope of the original PCT. Our results exhibit features that can be shared by quantum and classical phenomena, whenever these phenomena reflect some hidden or exposed coherence.

Mechanisms of functional improvement through cognitive rehabilitation in schizophrenia

Whereas the efficacy of cognitive rehabilitation in schizophrenia is widely known, studies examining mechanisms for functional improvement are still scarce. The aim of the study was to examine the mediational mechanisms through which cognitive rehabilitation improves functioning in schizophrenia. One hundred and eleven schizophrenia patients were randomly assigned to either a 4-month cognitive rehabilitation group or an active control group. Patients underwent a neurocognitive battery (including processing speed, verbal memory, working memory and executive functioning) and social cognition assessment (emotion perception, theory of mind and social perception). Functioning was assessed by the combined use of a performance-based instrument, the UCSD Performance-based Skills Assessment (UPSA) and an observer-rated instrument, the Global Assessment of Functioning (GAF). The trial was registered in clinicaltrials.gov (NCT02796417). Multiple mediational analyses revealed that the effect of cognitive rehabilitation on functional improvement was partially mediated by changes in processing speed and verbal memory, but not by the domains of social cognition and negative symptoms. More specifically, verbal memory partially mediated the treatment's effect on performance-based functioning (UPSA), whereas processing speed acted as a partial mediator for observer-rated functioning (GAF). The effect of rehabilitation on functioning did not take place through all the domains that showed significant improvement. Verbal memory and processing speed emerged as the most crucial factors. However, these complex interactions need further research.

Do the Conventional Clinicopathologic Parameters Predict for Response and Survival in Head and Neck Cancer Patients Undergoing Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy?

Aims and Background

Neoadjuvant chemotherapy for head and neck carcinoma is still an important treatment modality. The prognostic value of patient and tumor parameters has been extensively evaluated in several trials, yielding mixed results. We report the prognostic factors emerging from a group of patients undergoing neoadjuvant chemotherapy.

Patients and methods

From April 1986 to June 1992, 149 consecutive patients received cisplatin-5-fluorouracil-based neoadjuvant chemotherapy. After four courses of chemotherapy, patients underwent local-regional treatment with surgery, radiation or both. A variety of patient and tumor characteristics were evaluated as predictors for response to chemotherapy and survival.

Results

The complete response, partial response and no response rates to NAC were 52%, 33% and 15%, respectively. No parameters predicted response to chemotherapy. At a maximum follow-up of 87 months, overall survival was 39% and disease-free survival was 49%. Variables shown to be predictors of survival in univariate analyses were age, performance status, histology, site, T, N, stage, and response to chemotherapy. Using the Cox regression analysis, only complete response to induction chemotherapy ( P = 0.0006), performance status ( P = 0.03), stage ( P = 0.01), age ( P = 0.03) and primary tumor site ( P = 0.04) emerged as independent prognostic factors for survival.

Conclusions

Complete response to chemotherapy was confirmed as the strongest prognostic factor influencing survival. However, conventional clinicopathologic factors did not predict response, hence, potential prognostic biologic and molecular factors for response must be sought. At present, much effort must be made for the improvement of the complete response rate, which seems to be a requisite to prolong survival.

Oat-Cell Carcinoma of Primary Location in the Pericardium. A Case Report

A case of oat-cell carcinoma arising in the pericardium of a 51-year-old woman is described. The patient had multiple nodes; the largest was 2 × 1 cm. Two years later the patient presented with a tumor on her lower gum; this measured 2 mm and had similar characteristics to the previous one. The immunohistochemical study showed strong positivity for neuron-specific enolase. From review of the literature, it may be concluded that this is the first report of oat-cell carcinoma occurring in the pericardium.

Do Spanish Medical Students Understand the Concept of Brain Death?

Objective:

To analyze the level of understanding of the brain death concept among medical students in universities in Spain.

Methods:

This cross-sectional sociological, interdisciplinary, and multicenter study was performed on 9598 medical students in Spain. The sample was stratified by geographical area and academic year. A previously validated self-reported measure of brain death knowledge (questionnaire Proyecto Colaborativo Internacional Donante sobre la Donación y Transplante de Organos) was completed anonymously by students.

Results:

Respondents completed 9275 surveys for a completion rate of 95.7%. Of those, 67% (n = 6190) of the respondents understood the brain death concept. Of the rest, 28% (n = 2652) did not know what it meant, and the remaining 5% (n = 433) believed that it did not mean that the patient was dead. The variables related to a correct understanding of the concept were: (1) being older ( P < .001), (2) studying at a public university ( P < .001), (3) year of medical school ( P < .001), (4) studying at one of the universities in the south of Spain ( P = .003), (5) having discussed donation and transplantation with the family ( P < .001), (6) having spoken to friends about the matter ( P < .001), (7) a partner’s favorable attitude toward donation and transplantation ( P < .001), and (8) religious beliefs ( P < .001).

Conclusions:

Sixty-seven percent of medical students know the concept of brain death, and knowledge improved as they advanced in their degree.

Abstract P4-21-05: Neoadjuvant non-pegylated liposomal doxorubicin plus paclitaxel, trastuzumab and pertuzumab in patients with HER2+ breast cancer – Final results of the SOLTI OPTI-HER HEART study

INTRODUCTION

Targeting HER2 by dual blockade with trastuzumab (T) and pertuzumab (P) in a taxane-based regimen is an active neoadjuvant treatment (NAT) of HER2+ early breast cancer (EBC). Addition of an anthracycline could further enhance this response, but potential cardiac toxicity is a concern. The Opti-HER HEART trial (NCT01669239) aims to optimize neoadjuvant treatment while minimizing cardiac risk, by combining T+P with a taxane and non-pegylated liposomal doxorubicin (NPLD).

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Phase II open-label, single-arm study of six 21-day cycles of NPLD (50mg/m2 D1), paclitaxel (80mg/m2 D1,8,15), T (4mg/kg C1D1, followed by 2mg/kg weekly), and P (840mg C1D1, followed by 420mg C2-6D1) as NAT for patients (pts) with stage II-IIIB HER2+ BC. Primary objective was to evaluate cardiac safety of the combination, measured by the incidence of type A (symptomatic congestive heart failure ) or type B [asymptomatic reduction of Left Ventricular Ejection Fraction (LVEF) value: ≥10% absolute decrease and LVEF&lt;50%, LVEF&lt;40% or any absolute decrease ≥20%] events, during NAT. Eighty-three pts were required to reject with 80% confidence the null hypothesis that the combination increases the incidence of cardiac events above the historical control of 18% (3% type A; 15% type B).

RESULTS

Between June 2013 and January 2015, 83 pts with HER2+ EBC (stage II 78%, stage III 22%) and adequate cardiac function (LVEF≥55%) were enrolled. Mean age was 50 years, N+ 47%, hormone receptor (HR) positive 71% and median baseline LVEF 66%. Eighty-five percent of pts completed 6 cycles of NAT, whereas 15% discontinued NAT due to toxicity. Adverse events (AEs) leading to dose adjustments/temporary interruptions and discontinuation of at least 1 drug occurred in 70% and 21% of pts, respectively. Primary objective was met with an incidence of cardiac events during NAT of 4% (95%CI 1-10, 3pts, all type B). Cardiac events until study completion (1 year) were 8% (all type B). All (but 2 cases with no follow-up data) were reversible and only 1 pt presented an asymptomatic LVEF&lt;40%. Neutropenia (45%) was the most frequent hematological toxicity (G3/4 34%; febrile neutropenia 6%), less frequent in the 71% of pts that received primary G-CSF prophylaxis (G3/4 25% vs. 67%). Common non-hematological toxicities were diarrhea (74%; G3 7%), asthenia (78%; G3 11%) and neurotoxicity (52%; G3/4 10%). Pathological complete response (pCR) in breast+axilla (ypT0/is ypN0) was 60% (87% in HR-) and 69% in breast (91% in HR-).

 TOTALHR-HR+% ypT0/is (95% CI)69 (58-79)91 (72-99)61 (47-74)% ypT0/is ypN0 (95% CI)60 (46-71)87 (66-97)50 (36-64)

CONCLUSIONS

The neoadjuvant combination of T+P, paclitaxel and NPLD does not increase the risk for cardiac events in HER2+ BC pts. Since cardiac toxicities may present later, long-term cardiac monitoring is essential. Efficacy in terms of pCR was remarkable, being higher to historical values of combinations with dual anti-HER2 blockade and one of the highest reported among HR-HER2+ BC. This regimen administered with primary G-CSF prophylaxis and cardiac function monitoring may be an effective and secure option for early and locally advanced HER2+ pts with good cardiac function.

Citation Format: Gavilá J, Perez-Garcia J, Calvo I, Ciruelos E, Muñoz M, Virizuela JA, Ruiz I, Andrés R, Morales S, Perelló A, Sánchez P, Garcia-Saenz JA, Quero Guillen JC, González-Santiago S, Garau Llinas I, González-Martín A, Cantos Sánchez de Ibargüen B, Zaragoza K, de la Peña L, Llombart-Cussac A, Oliveira M. Neoadjuvant non-pegylated liposomal doxorubicin plus paclitaxel, trastuzumab and pertuzumab in patients with HER2+ breast cancer – Final results of the SOLTI OPTI-HER HEART study [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2016 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2016 Dec 6-10; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2017;77(4 Suppl):Abstract nr P4-21-05.

Biologically active and biomimetic dual gelatin scaffolds for tissue engineering

We have designed, developed and optimized Genipin cross-linked 3D gelatin scaffolds that were biologically active and biomimetic, show a dual activity both for growth factor and cell delivery. Type B gelatin powder was dissolved in DI water. 100mg of genipin was dissolved in 10ml of DI water. Three genipin concentrations were prepared: 0.1%, 0.2% and 0.3% (w/v). Solutions were mixed at 40°C and under stirring and then left crosslinking for 72h. Scaffolds were obtained by punching 8 mm-cylinders into ethanol 70% solution for 10min and then freeze-drying. Scaffolds were biologically, biomechanically and morphologically evaluated. Cell adhesion and morphology of D1-Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and L-929 fibroblast was studied. Vascular endothelial grwoth factor (VEGF) and Sonic hedgehog (SHH) were used as model proteins. Swelling ratio increased and younǵs module decreased along with the concentration of genipin. All scaffolds were biocompatible according to the toxicity test. MSC and L-929 cell adhesion improved in 0.2% of genipin, obtaining better results with MSCs. VEGF and SHH were released from the gels. This preliminary study suggest that the biologically active and dual gelatin scaffolds may be used for tissue engineering approaches like bone regeneration.

The chorion ultrastructure of ova of Lophius spp

The chorion surface ultrastructure of unfertilized eggs of black anglerfish Lophius budegassa and white anglerfish Lophius piscatorius was examined by scanning electron microscopy. Species-specific differences were observed.

141 EFFECT OF LASER-ASSISTED EMBRYO BIOPSY AND DEVELOPMENTAL STAGE ON EMBRYO SURVIVAL AT TERM IN SHEEP

A biopsy procedure causing minimal injury to embryos is essential to exploit the possibilities of the preimplantation genetic diagnosis in sheep biotechnologies. The effect of laser-assisted embryo biopsy on embryo survival at term was studied in ovine in vivo-derived embryos recovered at 2 different developmental stages. We used 294 embryos (quality scores 1 and 2; IETS manual, 1998 Edition) at the stages of compact morula (n = 136) or blastocyst (n = 158) recovered from superovulated Rasa aragonesa ewes at Day 8 after sponge removal. Embryos from each donor ewe were either biopsied (n = 160; 76 compact morulas and 84 blastocysts) or directly incubated at 38.5°C in TCM199 and 5% CO2/air (n = 134; 60 compact morulas and 74 blastocysts) during 18 to 22 hours before transfer. During biopsy, embryos were held by a holding pipette (15 µm internal diameter) in Dulbecco's phosphate-buffered saline without bovine serum albumin (100-µL microdrops). A 40× objective equipped with an infrared laser (1480 nm; 300 mW; XYClone, Hamilthon-Thorne, Parallabs Ltd, St Albans, UK) was used to open a hole in the zona pellucida by one 1-ms laser pulse. Whenever possible, only extruded cells were aspirated through the hole (usually, 3 to 10 cells) using a rounded-end aspiration pipette (19 µm internal diameter). In embryos without sufficient observable extruded cells, the cell mass was aspirated throughout the hole and a portion of the protruded part was ablated using one or several laser pulses of up to 2.4 ms. When performed in blastocysts, cell ablation was carried out in the trophoblastic region opposite to the inner cell mass. After biopsy, embryos were incubated in the same conditions as non-biopsied embryos. Embryos reaching the expanded or hatching/hatched blastocyst stages after culture were transferred in pairs to synchronized recipient ewes. Percentages were analysed by ANOVA for categorical variables using the CATMOD procedure of SAS. The percentage of arrested embryos tended to be higher (P < 0.07) in compact morulas either biopsied (11.8%) or not (10.0%) than in blastocysts (4.8 and 5.4%, respectively). The effects of the biopsy procedure and its interaction with the developmental stage were not significant (P < 0.85 and P < 0.70, respectively). The survival rate at term of the transferred embryos was similar in biopsied and nonbiopsied embryos (P < 0.31), either at the compact morula (62.7 and 72.2%, respectively) or the blastocyst (72.5 and 74.3%) stages. The effects of the developmental stage and its interaction with biopsy were not significant (P < 0.29 and P < 0.49, respectively). The effects of biopsy procedure and its interaction with the developmental stage were not significant (P < 0.33 and P < 0.44, respectively). In conclusion, the procedures presented here allow performing embryo biopsy with minimal injury, either in the compact morula or blastocyst stages. These results highlight the usefulness of laser in embryo biopsy.

[Candidemia epidemiology in Córdoba Argentina. Surveillance study of five institutions]

The incidence rate of invasive infections due to Candida species has increased drastically in the last 20 years, causing a 40% mortality rate in hospitalized patients. In order to comprehend the epidemiology of Candida bloodstream infection, the study was carried out.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A retrospective study was done based on microbiology laboratory reports from five terciary care hospitals from the city of Cordoba between January 2010 and August 2012.

RESULTS

158 patients had candidemia, the average age was 55,8 years, and 54% of patients were in the intensive care unit. Candida albicans (44%), Candida parapsilosis (22%) and Candida tropicalis (12%) were the main fungi isolated. Candida parapsilosis was commonly associated with catether infections.

CONCLUSIONS

The data from the city of Cordoba showed that C. albicans, C. parapsilosis y C. tropicalis were the more frequent species isolated from blood cultures. This is similar to what is seen in other series published from Argentina and Latinamerica. This study may have implications when it comes to deciding which empiric antifugal agent is best for the treatment of candidemia.

Steroid 5α-reductase in adult rat brain after neonatal dihydrotestosterone administration

Testosterone (T) is known to play an important masculinizing role in the developing brain of rat, including the regulation of 5α-reductase (5α-R) isozymes. However, the effects of dihydrotesterone (DHT), a more potent androgen than T, have not been elucidated. In this study, DHT was administered from day 5 through day 20 of postnatal life (period of postnatal sexual differentiation of the central nervous system) at doses of: 12 mg/kg/d on days 5, 6, 7, 8, 19, and 20; 15 mg/kg/d on days 9, 10, 11, 12, 16, 17, and 18; and 18 mg/kg/d on days 13, 14, and 15. In adulthood, quantitative RT-PCR was used to measure mRNA levels of 5α-R1 and 5α-R2 isozymes in the prefrontal cortex (PFC) of male and female rats with varied androgenic status. Under our study conditions, neonatal DHT administration influenced on adult PFC 5α-R isozymes levels and their regulation pattern by androgens, and this pattern was the inverse of that reported in adult neonatally T-treated rats.

Thermogravimetric-mass spectrometric analysis of lignocellulosic and marine biomass pyrolysis

The pyrolysis characteristics of three lignocellulosic biomasses (fir wood, eucalyptus and pine bark) and a marine biomass (Nannochloropsis gaditana microalgae) were investigated by thermogravimetric analysis coupled with mass spectrometry (TGA-MS). Thermal degradation of lignocellulosic biomass was divided into four zones, corresponding to the decomposition of their main components (cellulose, hemicellulose and lignin) and a first step associated to water removal. Differences in volatile matter and cellulose content of lignocellulosic species resulted in different degradation rates. Microalgae pyrolysis occurred in three stages due to the main components of them (proteins), which are greatly different from lignocellulosic biomass. Heating rate effect was also studied. The main gaseous products formed were CO(2), light hydrocarbons and H(2)O. H(2) was detected at high temperatures, being associated to secondary reactions (char self-gasification). Pyrolysis kinetics were studied using a multiple-step model. The proposed model successfully predicted the pyrolytic behaviour of these samples resulting to be statistically meaningful.

Hierarchical structure of the cognitive processes in schizophrenia: the fundamental role of processing speed

OBJECTIVE

Decreased processing speed (PS) is a key feature of schizophrenia with respect to cognition, functional outcome and clinical symptoms. Our objective was to test whether PS slowing mediates other neuropsychological deficits among patients with chronic schizophrenia.

METHOD

One hundred patients with schizophrenia and 53 healthy adults completed a series of neuropsychological measures that assess six cognitive domains. In addition to PS these included attention, verbal memory, visual memory, working memory, and executive functioning. Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) was used to evaluate the fit of the 6-factor model. The cognitive performances of both groups were compared before and after controlling for the effect of PS, but also after controlling for the effect of each cognitive factor at a time. Finally, the PS-related variance was removed and the effect of the other cognitive factors was tested again.

RESULTS

CFA supported the hypothesized 6-factor cognitive structure. As expected, the patients and controls differed on all cognitive measures. However, after controlling for the effects of PS, group differences on the other five cognitive factors decreased substantially. Controlling for other factors produced smaller attenuation of group differences, and these effects were also partially accounted for by decreased PS.

CONCLUSIONS

PS deficits account for most of the differences in cognition between patients with schizophrenia and healthy controls. PS slowing appears to be a core feature of schizophrenia, one that underlies impairments of working memory, executive functioning, and other abilities.